Sabalenka's Shocking First Impression of Badosa: 'I Thought She Was a B*tch'

Aryna Sabalenka Reveals How She and Paula Badosa Went from Rivals to Best Friends

© AFP

Arthur Millot

le 06/02/2026 à 17h39

1 min to read

Badosa Paula Sabalenka Aryna

Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa, inseparable both on and off the court today, embody a beautiful friendship on the tour.

But before becoming the famous 'Sabadosa,' the two WTA stars had a funny first encounter.

'The First Time, We Couldn't Stand Each Other'

In an interview with TNT Sports, the Belarusian looked back on her very first impression of the Spaniard:

'When we first met, we both thought the other was a b*tch, let's put it that way.

But as soon as we got to talk a little, we said: "Oh, you're really funny!" We felt an immediate connection, like we were the same kind of person.

Since then, we keep sending each other memes about how we met.

We're very good friends, but when we play each other, we put the friendship aside.

I know she'll hate me for a few hours... But I promised her a shopping spree,' Sabalenka recounted humorously.